Keith Stent, Musical Director


Margaret Whittall WSO Leader

WSO People

Keith Stent came to the orchestra in 1963, when on the staff of the Royal Ballet School. He had a thirty-year commitment to Trinity College of Music as teacher and examiner, the final twelve as Chief Examiner for the international examinations system.

He was music adviser for the extensive adult education music activities of the late ILEA, head of music in teacher training, music adviser to the Benslow Music Trust and then editor and arranger at Kevin Mayhew Publishers. He also worked for the Yamaha organisation and is now busy as an adjudicator at festivals and conductor at holiday courses, especially for the New London Music Society.

Leader Margaret Whittall has played with the LPO, RPO and Bournemouth SO as well as in West End theatres and with chamber ensembles. She trained at Trinity College of Music where she was later to be a teacher in the junior department.

With her husband, Brian Gaulton, she is a member of the Cotsford String Quartet and is also busy as a teacher, both privately and at Kings College School, Wimbledon.

She continues the WSO tradition of attending every Wednesday rehearsal, both to lead, and act as string coach for sectional training rehearsals.